Research Associate II – Genome Engineering and Technology Development / SeaHub

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

Join the Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology (SeaHub), an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. Our mission is to reimagine living cells and genomes as devices for recording biology and diagnostic information over time, as well as for encoding real-time therapeutic decision-making. Take off with us as we imagine — and create — a kind of cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls. Be part of a small dynamic team on the ground floor of a new program with world-class scientists.

SeaHub is looking for a Research Associate to join our “Build” team, responsible for expanding our ability to build DNA constructs at a large scale for engineering mammalian cells to write records into the genomes of stem cells and whole organisms. The “Build” team is part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Sense,” “Write,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level. The Research Associate will be working in the laboratory daily to develop and implement intricate strategies for building DNA constructs at the 10-100kb scale in yeast and bacteria, construct complex libraries of DNA constructs, harness laboratory automation to increase scale, and evaluate success using nucleic acid sequencing, ddPCR, and other molecular biology assays as a readout. Opportunities exist for the exceptional candidate to actively contribute to ongoing technology development in this and other areas, analyze sequencing data, handle mammalian cell culture and actively contribute to project ideation, execution, and publications.

Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing process deviations, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and the eagerness to work in a Team Science, deadline-driven atmosphere.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Perform advanced genomics protocols (e.g., genomic-DNA sequencing, custom amplicon sequencing, RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq)
• Independently execute molecular biology protocols, including molecular cloning, quantitative PCR, ddPCR etc.
• Work with automation/robotics to build, test and maintain protocols for molecular cloning and next generation -omics workflows
• Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
• Contribute to the development of new protocols as needed
• Present results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision-making
• Comply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
• Adhere to a team schedule and individual time management
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods
• Other duties as assigned

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
• 2 years of laboratory experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 - 5 years of laboratory experience
• Experience performing molecular biology methods including as many as possible of: DNA and RNA isolation, genomic DNA extraction, plasmid preparation, NGS sample preparation, RT-PCR, CRISPR/Cas9-editing, agarose and acrylamide gel analysis, mammalian cell culture
• Experience with molecular cloning using Gibson assembly, golden gate assembly, yeast assembly etc.
• Track-record of being an effective team member
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology/cell culture laboratory
• Experience with nucleic acid sequencing, both off the shelf (e.g. bulk RNAseq or sc-RNAseq kits) and/or custom (amplicon sequencing)
• Experience in using automation/robotics platforms in laboratory settings
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9/prime editing
• Experience performing cell biology methods including mammalian cell culture, murine embryonic stem cell culture, primary cell culture, nucleofection, and lipofection

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Laboratory environment - possible lasers, chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for most working hours. The primary work location for this role is 700 Dexter Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Travel

• The successful applicant may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not offer work visa sponsorship**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**

Annualized Salary Range

• $65,500 - $80,150 *

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.